Buckfastleigh
Buckfastleigh
Sidmouth
Sidmouth
Driving

Buckfastleigh to Sidmouth

Updated: 29 May 2026

The drive from Buckfastleigh to the coastal town of Sidmouth covers about 60 kilometers. You will travel via the A38 and then navigate through the scenic East Devon countryside using the A3052. This journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The route takes you past the outskirts of Exeter and through charming villages before reaching the Jurassic Coast. It is a popular route for those seeking a seaside day trip.

Total Distance: 60 km driving distance; 50 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Driving via the A38 and A3052 takes about 70 minutes.
Cheapest Way
Driving is the most practical and direct way to reach Sidmouth.
Compare Buckfastleigh to Sidmouth Routes
Driving
Direct
Duration
1 hour 10 mins
Avg Price
12-15 GBP
Operator
Personal Vehicle
Route
A38 to Exeter, then A3052 towards Sidmouth.

The A3052 is narrow in places; drive carefully.

Travel Tips
  • Parking
    Use the Ham car park near the seafront for easy beach access.
  • Traffic
    The A3052 can be slow during summer weekends due to tourist traffic.
  • Footwear
    Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to walk the coastal paths.
  • Local Bus
    If you don't drive, you can take a bus from Exeter to Sidmouth.
  • Timing
    Arrive before 10 AM in summer to secure a parking space.
Safety Tips
  • Cliff Safety
    Stay away from the base of the cliffs as rockfalls can occur.
  • Road Width
    Be prepared for narrow lanes on the A3052; pull over for larger vehicles.
  • Tides
    Check tide times if you plan to walk along the beach.
  • Emergency
    Keep a mobile phone charged for coastal path navigation.
People Also Ask
  • Is Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast?
    Yes, it is a gateway town to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
  • How long is the drive?
    It takes about 70 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Are there trains to Sidmouth?
    No, the nearest train station is in Honiton or Exeter.
  • Is the beach sandy?
    It is primarily a pebble beach with some sand at low tide.
  • Can I take a dog?
    Yes, Sidmouth is very dog-friendly, though some beach restrictions apply.
Quick Info
  • From Buckfastleigh, Devon, United Kingdom
  • To Sidmouth, Devon, United Kingdom
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

Summer for beach activities or Spring for coastal walks.

Things to Do in Sidmouth
1
Sidmouth Beach
Relax on the pebble beach and enjoy the views of the red sandstone cliffs. It is a classic English seaside experience.
2
Connaught Gardens
Visit these cliff-top gardens for stunning views over the English Channel. They are beautifully maintained throughout the year.
3
The Donkey Sanctuary
Located just outside Sidmouth, this is a world-famous charity providing a home for rescued donkeys.
4
South West Coast Path
Walk a section of this famous trail for breathtaking coastal scenery. The path is well-marked and accessible from the town center.
Tags
Buckfastleigh to Sidmouth A3052 route Devon coast travel driving to Sidmouth Sidmouth transport Buckfastleigh to coast East Devon travel Jurassic Coast route Devon road trip Sidmouth directions